Racing: Kauto Star has been declared along with Monet's Garden and seven others for Saturday's Commercial First Ascot Chase.
The former's only defeat in almost two years came at the hands of the Nicky Richards-trained grey earlier this season - although he was conceding a stone on that occasion and will reoppose off level weights.
Henrietta Knight will run Racing Demon, fourth behind Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase, while Howle Hill will represent Alan King.
Fair Along, second in the Arkle Challenge Trophy last term, will also take his chance having not run since finishing third at Exeter back in November. See You Sometime, Vodka Bleu and outsiders Lord Killeshanra and Mystical Star complete the field.
Kauto Star trainer Paul Nicholls declared himself delighted with the state of the Ascot ground after walking the track this morning.
The champion trainer said: "I'm very happy with the ground and the officials at the track have done a great job. I think it will ride just on the slow side of good, which will suit everybody and we will get what we wanted which was just good, safe ground.
"Having walked the track, he is a definite runner."
